Winter boots

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I had a nasty fall on ice last winter and broke my wrist. I’m determined to be extra cautious this year. Can anybody recommend any boots with really good grip? I really don’t care what they look like. I’m a size 4, so might even be able to get away with children’s so long as they’re not pink and girly.

Also, what about the things that slip over boots for more traction - any recs for those? I won’t need to walk miles in them, just up to the shops etc.

Under £100 ideally.

Not at all!

I get that, I’m petrified of falling. None of my actual boots have been as good as the regatta trainers. I bought them for walking but they’ve turned into my no slipping ones!

You need to”retractable cleats”. Try searching continental brands like Remonte, Rieker and Olang + that feature.

I really think you’ll need to spend to get something that will do the job. You might not wear them much but they’ll last years. A good investment vs broken bones etc surely ?

im super tight buying things but would spend on something like this. You get what you pay for

If you have small feet high end brand kids ones might be your answer.

Thanks for this link! I ended up buying a very similar style of Sorel boot but in a longer boot as I have a lot of slightly cropped trousers. I’m almost excited for colder weather so I can wear them!

i find my Yaktrax quite difficult to get on my shoes so I also have a pair of these Trespass ice grips they just go on your front part and fasten with Velcro so useful to have in your bag or pocket(in maybe a pouch to keep the spikes from damaging anything) for when you have an icy patch but don’t need the full grips

Trespass weirdly don’t stock them but have linked them on eBay

I managed to get some Jack Wolfskin (EverQuest texapore high waterproof boots) and I loved them. They were really supportive when I was pregnant (I was terrified of slipping in yucky wet or icy weather).

doesn’t help you now, but I got a really good price in the May at John Lewis ahead of winter. Seemed a bit silly when the weather was roasting but it was such a good investment

Any recs for brands?

I don’t think up to £100 is exactly scrimping!

It should be OK but it's not much given how much hiking boots cost.
Womens Waterproof Walking Boots & Shoes | Dry Feet Guarantee | Cotswold Outdoor
Try other retailers for brands like Merrell.
Mountain Warehouse, Decathlon, Go Outdoors, SportsShoes , TK Maxx etc

I have Sorel boots that are old and were pre-loved.

I'm always looking for the solution to this. It's when snow and ice has melted during the day and refreezes overnight. Impossible for me to actually walk to the station as the route is in the shade. I don't understand how some people seem to be able to stride around regardless of what their footwear is.

I've not tried it but a supposedly short term solution is wearing fluffy socks over your shoes.

I suspect footwear with a sole as close to a car tyre tread must be one of the best.

Honestly - just get a pair of the studded straps I’ve linked above - you pop them on over shoes/boots for the icy bits and then off when you need
they are Velcro over the front part of your foot so much easier to get on/off than the Yaktrax type which you have to stretch over boots. useful for the walk where you only need them for part of it

There's nowhere to sit and take them off/put them back on though, and I don't fancy trying to do it standing on one leg!

Sorel is your answer- from Amazon. I’ve had two pairs for less than £75. You just have to time is right currently they are over £100.
I have the caribou which has a haven cleated sole and the Joan explorer boot.

I agree with sleek. Yes they are pricey but mine lasted me 4 winters and I wore them from September/October to April/May. Get ones you like and it won’t just be for the couple of icey weeks. They are super comfortable. Do remember to size up if you go for them as they come up small. You may be able to find some in a sale or on Vinted too

Ah sorry - I can just crouch or bend down to flip the Velcro strap off or on. Like you would to tie a shoe.
If you need to sit to do this then yes, they won’t be a great option sorry

Ice bugs are popular with Swedes but are pricey. I like them for their dynamic studs. https://www.icebug.com/en-GB/product/metro2-womens-bugrip-mulberry

Have a look at Olang OC system. https://olang.co.uk/collections/womens-lux/styleoc-system They have retractable grip so ideal for eg walking on ice and then not having to worry about spikes damaging floors when you go inside. It avoids the annoying thing about YaxTrax - taking them on and off. I’d generally look at Sorel, Olang, Pajar. New prices are usually more than £100 but I think you might find some on Outlet sites.

Try Rieker. They do styles that look like DMs but are super comfy.
And they have thick cleated soles.

The cheapest solution would be hobnails, but I can't find a UK stockist. I'd look at Kahtoola EXOspikes, which you wouldn't need to take off in shops and would be much better in variable conditions, when you're dealing with a mixture of ice, snow and bare pavements. @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie you'll have less choice of supplier because your feet are so small, but my v. quick search turned up the following, who have the XS in stock for c.£55
Needlesports
Inglesport
Icegripper

I trust both the first two and would buy from them - they're bricks and mortar businesses and might also be able to give advice on suitability for your particular use case via email or a phone call when they aren't busy.

Mammal, they have flip down ice grips and also look lovely, IMO

www.mammalboots.co.uk

I think Mammal are probably the best contenders so far.

How’s the sizing?

I wore my Yaktrax on top of DMs on about 5 days last year - pavements were patchy ice in some parts and I did go into a cafe (tiled floor) with them still on. No slipping at all. Going on non icy bits in them will probably wreck them eventuall6 but they're still fine at the moment. Worth rinsing them and leaving to dry when you get home to get any salt,grit off.

Are they difficult to walk in? I walk to work, a couple of miles, would they stand up to that?